Grounded Footwear

ABSTRACT

Grounding shoes and methods of making grounding shoes are disclosed. The shoes comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion have a sole, wherein at least a portion of the sole is electrically conductive, and an insole in conductive contact with the sole, the insole having at least one conductive thread threaded therein.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/954,010, filed Dec. 27, 2019, entitled “GROUNDED FOOTWEAR,” which is hereby specifically and entirely incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to grounded footwear and methods for manufacturing grounded footwear.

2. Description of the Background

Emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. Reconnection with the Earth's electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Earthing (or grounding) refers to the benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth's electrons from the ground into the body.

Mounting evidence suggests that the Earth's negative potential can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems. Moreover, oscillations of the intensity of the Earth's potential may be important for setting the biological clocks regulating diurnal body rhythms, such as cortisol secretion. Modern lifestyle has increasingly separated humans from the primordial flow of Earth's electrons. For example, since the 1960s, humans have increasingly worn insulating rubber or plastic soled shoes, instead of the traditional leather fashioned from hides.

Emerging scientific research supports the concept that the Earth's electrons induce multiple physiological changes of clinical significance, including reduced pain, better sleep, a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic tone in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and a blood-thinning effect. Providing a connection between a person and the Earth is referred to as “earthing” or “grounding” (used interchangeably herein).

Therefore, there is a need for grounding shoes that provide the benefits of Earthing with the desirable qualities of rubber or plastic soles.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new footwear and methods for manufacturing footwear.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a grounding shoe. The shoe comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a sole, wherein at least a portion of the sole is electrically conductive, and an insole in conductive contact with the sole, the insole having at least one conductive wire threaded therein.

In a preferred embodiment, the shoe is one of sneaker, sandal, boot, dress shoe, driving shoe, cleat, heal, flat, and work shoe. Preferably, the whole sole is electrically conductive. The sole is preferably comprised of conductive rubber. Preferably, the sole has one or more patterns embedded therein to increase traction. In a preferred embodiment, the insole is coupled to the sole with a conductive adhesive.

The shoe preferably further comprises a conductive mid-sole positioned between the sole and the insole. Preferably, the conductive thread is a conductive silver thread. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive thread is positioned within the insole to come into contact with at least one reflexology pressure point of a wearer's foot. Preferably, the shoe allows electrons to pass between a wearer's foot and the earth.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of constructing a grounding shoe. The method includes sewing a conductive thread through an insole, coupling a sole to the insole, wherein at least a portion of the sole is electrically conductive, and coupling an upper shoe portion to the sole and insole.

In a preferred embodiment, the shoe is one of a sneaker, sandal, boot, dress shoe, driving shoe, cleat, heal, flat, and work shoe. Preferably, the whole sole is electrically conductive. The sole is preferably comprised of conductive rubber. The method preferably further comprises embedding one or more patters into the sole to increase traction. Preferably, the method further comprises coupling the insole to the sole with a conductive adhesive. The method preferably further comprises inserting a conductive mid-sole between the sole and the insole.

Preferably, the conductive thread is a conductive silver thread. The method preferably further comprises positioning the conductive thread within the insole to come into contact with at least one reflexology pressure point of a wearer's foot. Preferably, the shoe allows electrons to pass between a wearer's foot and the earth.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-E depict a first embodiment of a grounded shoe.

FIGS. 2A-D depict a second embodiment of a grounded shoe.

FIGS. 3A-F depict a third embodiment of a grounded shoe.

FIGS. 4A-D depict a fourth embodiment of a grounded shoe.

FIGS. 5A-J depicts a fifth embodiment of a grounded shoe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention is directed to grounded footwear. The footwear, generically referred to as shoes herein, can be, for example, sneakers, sandals, boots, dress shoes, driving shoes, cleats, heals, flats, work shoes, industry specific footwear, such as anti-static footwear, or other types of footwear. The shoes generally come in pairs (one left shoe and one right shoe), however they can come individually. Preferably, each shoe in the pair is a mirror image of the other shoe. However, the two shoes may be different or identical. Preferably, the shoes are wearable with and without socks.

Each shoe preferably has a sole that provides a barrier between the ground and the bottom of a wearer's foot and an upper portion adapted to secure the sole to the foot. Preferably the soles of the shoes are a multi-layer sole. For example, the shoe may have at least an outer sole that comes into contact with the ground and an inner sole or insole that comes into contact with the wearer's foot bottom.

Preferably, the outer sole is rubber that is at least partially conductive, however the shoes may have plastic, polyurethane, leather, composite material, or another man-made or naturally occurring material, or combinations thereof, as the outer sole. The outer soles may have one or more patterns molded therein. The patterns may provide traction, reduce weight, indicate a manufacturer, and/or allow for airflow around the shoe. Preferably, the outer soles may be conductive throughout or may only have a portion thereof that is conductive. Preferably, the conductivity of the outer sole penetrates from the ground facing surface of the outer sole to the inner sole facing surface of the outer sole such that electrons can pass from the Earth into the wearer's foot. For example, there may be one or more conductive inserts positioned within the outer soles. Preferably, the conductive portions of the outer soles are a conductive elastomer with carbon or other conductive particles distributed throughout the raw material prior to setting the elastomer. The outer soles may also be antistatic and/or anti-marking.

Preferably, the inner sole or insole is fabric, however the shoes may have plastic, leather, rubber, or another man-made or naturally occurring material, or combinations thereof, as the outer sole. The inner soles may have cushions and/or contours embedded therein. The cushions and/or contours may provide support for the foot, increase comfort of the shoe, and/or reduce strain on the foot or leg. The inner soles may also be sweat wicking, anti-odor, and/or quick drying.

Preferably, the inner soles have conductive wiring or threading embedded in the material and are in conductive contact with both the conductive portions of the outer sole and the wearer's foot. There may be one single thread or multiple threads. The conductive threading is preferably silver, however the conductive threading may be copper, gold, another metal, conductive rubber, conductive plastic, another conductive material, or combinations thereof. Preferably, silver thread is used for the anti-microbial aspects. The conductive threading may be throughout the entire inner sole, in a specific pattern, or in specific locations. For example, the pattern may be such that the conductive threading contacts specific points on the wearer's foot. The points may correspond to reflexology pressure points. The pattern may be the customized for each wearer and/or foot or be standardized.

Optionally, each shoe may have a mid-sole. Preferably, the mid-sole is positioned between the outer sole and the inner sole. Preferably the mid-sole provides a conductive connection between the conductive portions of the outer sole and the conductive threading of the inner sole. Preferably, the mid-sole is a conductive fabric, however the shoes may have plastic, leather, rubber, or another man-made or naturally occurring material, or combinations thereof, that has conductive properties as the mid-sole. The mid-sole may be coupled to the outer sole and/or inner sole by a conductive adhesive like conductive cement.

The following examples illustrate embodiments of the invention, but should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

FIGS. 1A-E depict views of a first embodiment of a grounding shoe sole 100. Shoe sole 100 has an outer sole 105, an inner sole 110, and a mid-sole 120. Outer sole 105 and inner sole 110 are preferably contoured to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the shoe. Outer sole 105 is preferably comprised of a conductive rubber with various patterns 130 embedded therein to improve traction. A conductive cement 115 preferably couples outer sole 105, inner sole 110, and mid-sole 120. Inner sole 110 preferably has silver conductive thread 125 sewn therein.

FIGS. 2A-D depict views of an embodiment of a grounding driving shoe sole 200. Shoe sole 200 has an outer sole 205 and an inner sole 210. Outer sole 205 and inner sole 210 are preferably contoured to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the shoe. Outer sole 205 is preferably comprised of a conductive rubber. A conductive cement 215 preferably couples outer sole 205 to inner sole 210. Inner sole 210 preferably has silver conductive thread 225 sewn therein.

FIGS. 3A-F depict views of another embodiment of a grounding shoe sole 300. Shoe sole 300 has an outer sole 305 and an inner sole 310. Outer sole 305 and inner sole 310 are preferably contoured to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the shoe. Outer sole 305 is preferably comprised of a conductive rubber with various patters embedded therein to improve traction. A conductive cement 315 preferably couples outer sole 305 to inner sole 310. Inner sole 310 preferably has silver conductive thread 325 sewn therein.

FIGS. 4A-D depict views of an embodiment of a grounding sandal sole 400. Sandal sole 400 has an outer sole 405 and an inner sole 410. Outer sole 405 and inner sole 410 are preferably contoured to improve the comfort and ergonomics of the shoe. Outer sole 405 is preferably comprised of a conductive polyurethane. A conductive cement 415 preferably couples outer sole 405 to inner sole 410. Inner sole 410 preferably has silver conductive thread 425 sewn therein.

FIGS. 5A-J depict multiple views of an embodiment of a grounded show.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. The term comprising, where ever used, is intended to include the terms consisting and consisting essentially of. Furthermore, the terms comprising, including, and containing are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. 

1. A grounding shoe comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion; the lower portion comprising: a sole, wherein at least a portion of the sole is electrically conductive; and an insole in conductive contact with the sole, the insole having at least one conductive thread threaded therethrough.
 2. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe is one of sneaker, sandal, boot, dress shoe, driving shoe, cleat, heal, flat, and work shoe.
 3. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the whole sole is electrically conductive.
 4. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole is comprised of conductive rubber.
 5. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole has one or more patterns embedded therein to increase traction.
 6. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the insole is coupled to the sole with a conductive adhesive.
 7. The grounding shoe of claim 1, further comprising a conductive mid-sole positioned between the sole and the insole.
 8. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the conductive thread is a conductive silver thread.
 9. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the conductive thread is positioned within the insole to come into contact with at least one reflexology pressure point of a wearer's foot.
 10. The grounding shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe allows electrons to pass between a wearer's foot and the earth.
 11. A method of constructing a grounding shoe comprising: sewing a conductive thread through an insole; coupling a sole to the insole, wherein at least a portion of the sole is electrically conductive; and coupling an upper shoe portion to the sole and insole.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the shoe is one of a sneaker, sandal, boot, dress shoe, driving shoe, cleat, heal, flat, and work shoe.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the whole sole is electrically conductive.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the sole is comprised of conductive rubber.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising embedding one or more patters into the sole to increase traction.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising coupling the insole to the sole with a conductive adhesive.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a conductive mid-sole between the sole and the insole.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductive thread is a conductive silver thread.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the conductive thread within the insole to come into contact with at least one reflexology pressure point of a wearer's foot.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the shoe allows electrons to pass between a wearer's foot and the earth. 